March 17, 2009

Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

--John 12:25

I’d like to ask you a question: How would those closest to you say you define success? Not, how do you define success. But how do those who observe your life say you define success?

Because it’s all too easy to get sucked into the lie that success means achieving more, trying harder, and doing better. And that applies to every area of life: business, family, faith. We think the secret to success in each means trying harder and doing more. But Christ turns notions like these on their heads! 

He says blessed are those who mourn… when you’re weak, you’re strong… the first shall be last. And as he says in today’s verse, if you want success in life, die to self.

Now, I know this isn’t a message you’re going to see advertised on prime-time television or screaming at you from billboards on the side of the road. Our world says if you want to be successful, take control of your life! But the Bible says, let the Spirit control you.

The world says you’ve got to build your kids’ self-esteem! But Jesus says to train your children to love and serve God.

When it comes to success and most everything else, the world’s view is 180 degrees different from God’s view. And like I said before, it’s easy to get sucked into believing the lie.

And what’s funny is that anyone who’s had any measure of worldly success will tell you that it never satisfies and is never enough. Have you ever wondered why that is? It’s because God created you and me to find our ultimate success and satisfaction in him and him alone. Not in wealth or power or club memberships or vacations or houses or jewelry or new cars or new clothes. 

Today, it’s my prayer that you will remind yourself of these truths, and keep reminding yourself! 

Because although it’s counter-cultural, it’s true: The way to be truly successful in this life is by following Jesus Christ, obeying him day by day, and investing yourself in relationships. That’s the way to be truly successful.

THE WAY TO BE TRULY SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE IS BY FOLLOWING JESUS CHRIST, OBEYING HIM, AND INVESTING YOURSELF IN RELATIONSHIPS.